Scarlett Letter Symbolism

Nathaniel Hawthrone illustrates various forms of symbolism within the novel. Things such as the glowing letter “A” or the rosebush portray this symbolism. This symbolism relates to each of the main characters usually connecting the characters together. Because of Hawthrone’s use of symbolism, the reader develops a better understanding of character relationships and the society’s beliefs.

Being placed upon humiliation, Hester stood on a scaffold in accordance to her sin. On pg. 52 and 55 of Chapter 2, It reads “...this scaffold constitute a portion of a penal machine…..but was held, in the old time, to be as effectual an agent, in the promotion of good citizenship, as ever was the guillotine among the terrorists of France.” (pg.52) The scaffold was only used towards committed sin of adultery. It was proof that Hester did in fact commit her sin. It used to humiliate her and remind her of her sin.

Light and shadow are primarily used within this novel describing a situation surrounding Hester and/or Dimmesdale. Light and shadow can be interpreted into many different things. But Hawthrone wants the reader to understand the concept that, the light didn’t necessarily expose Hester for her sin. It actually exposed Dimmesdale. His guilty conscious of his sins are exposed by the light. In Chapter 2 Hester’s sin is revealed, which leads into the development of shadows. In Chapter 3, og.12, Paragraph 4, Dimmesdale is described as a great figure in society, but the ironically he is a coward and hides behind the shadows to cover up his guilt and sin.

Chapter 1 in the 2nd paragraph begins to attract reader’s attention to the rosebush. “This rose-bush, by strange chance, has been kept alive in history… and it had strong u[ under the footsteps of the sainted Anne Hutchinson, as she entered the prison door…” The rose-bush symbolized the true distinction between nature law and civil law. Especially, when Pearl has been